I'm writing you from Dallas, where tomorrow I will speak at the JFK Lancer conference. It brings together researchers into the assassination of John F. Kennedy. That might seem a dated and irrelevant subject to some. But we will never be able to understand contemporary goings-on, like the unfolding Petraeus situation, unless we take a longer view of the subterranean intrigue that has long shaped our history. Examples include efforts by presidents to tame their own agencies, turf battles between Pentagon, CIA and FBI, and on and on.

At WhoWhatWhy, we are equally interested in what goes on today--and on how long-ago events shape our present situation. It is that balance of the contemporary and the long view that set us apart from other news outfits. Hope you agree--and hope you'll take a moment to urge your friends to join into our Kickstarter campaign. It's integral to our efforts to grow and expand our coverage. Also, if you feel inclined to increase your pledge, it's easy to do so. Just log back into Kickstarter.